Shane Van Gisbergen has drawn significant attention each time NASCAR returns to the Chicago Street Course, where the Australian racing star stunned fans by winning the inaugural event in 2023 during his very first Cup Series race. As the series returns to the Windy City, discussion about Van Gisbergen’s influence on NASCAR continues to grow, especially regarding its ripple effects on Australian Supercars.
Van Gisbergen’s breakthrough success encouraged several Australian Supercars drivers to explore stock car racing, with defending Supercars champion Will Brown among those testing the waters. Brown, who will start 19th for Kaulig Racing on Sunday, was recently asked if Australian fans worry NASCAR might pull away top Supercars talent like Van Gisbergen.
Will Brown Reflects on NASCAR’s Impact on Australian Supercars
Brown acknowledged there have been concerns but did not speak on behalf of the fans. He revealed how Van Gisbergen’s NASCAR adventures have boosted interest in the sport back home.
“It’s been great for us because it’s Monday morning. A lot of us wake up in the morning and watch Shane. Nearly everyone in our team definitely does, and a lot of fans, every Monday, are watching NASCAR. So, that’s been amazing.”
—Will Brown, Supercars Champion
While some Australian fans might find it difficult to see established drivers leave Supercars for NASCAR, Brown pointed out positive outcomes for the domestic series as well.
“I think losing Shane from our series was a hit at the time. But there’s been a lot of young guys come up through and sort of take that place and be really competitive now.”
—Will Brown, Supercars Champion
Evaluating Brown’s NASCAR Prospects and Potential Long-Term Move
Brown’s appearance at the Chicago Street Course marks just his second NASCAR Cup Series race. He previously competed at Sonoma last season with Richard Childress Racing, but electrical problems limited his performance. Kaulig Racing has prepared a No. 13 Chevrolet for him this weekend, with hopes he can better demonstrate his speed and skill on this street circuit.
If Brown performs well and attracts sponsor attention, questions arise about whether he will pursue a permanent NASCAR career. However, Brown has made it clear that he prefers to remain primarily focused on racing in Australia.
“I’m pretty comfortable here in Australia, I actually took Shane’s seat when he left, so I’m very glad that he went Stateside, I was happy to see him go…”
—Will Brown, Supercars Champion
“Right now for me, it’s kind of scratching an itch, it’s going over there, competing against some of the best in the world, seeing how I fare against them, and trying to do the Aussies proud.”
—Will Brown, Supercars Champion
Brown emphasized that he cannot make a firm decision about his future until he receives concrete offers, with replicating Van Gisbergen’s notable success at the Chicago Street Course as a crucial first step.
The Broader Influence of Van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Endeavor on Australian Motorsports
Shane Van Gisbergen’s transition to NASCAR has created both challenges and opportunities for Australian Supercars. Although his departure was felt as a setback, it has simultaneously opened pathways for emerging talents to rise and energize the domestic racing scene. This dynamic highlights how a single driver’s move abroad can reshape an entire motorsport ecosystem and inspire others to broaden their horizons.
With Will Brown and others following in Van Gisbergen’s footsteps by taking on NASCAR events, the cross-pollination between the Australian Supercars and American stock car racing is likely to continue evolving, boosting interest and competition on both continents.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Shane van Gisbergen quit Supercars?
A. Shane van Gisbergen believes he made the “right choice” by leaving Supercars to chase a career in NASCAR. This year, he is starting his first full season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing after spending 15 years racing in Supercars.
Q. Why did Shane van Gisbergen leave Supercars?
A. I’m quitting V8 Supercars for personal reasons that I prefer not to talk about publicly. I’m returning to live in New Zealand and don’t have any specific plans yet for what comes next.